Monday, July 31, 2017

Clear Bag Policy to Be Implemented at Univ. of Utah Stadiums privateofficer.com

Utah July 31 2017 Effective July 1, 2018, event
attendees at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium and Huntsman Center
will be required to put personal items in a clear bag.

A July 25 press release from the university says
that the policy change comes after “several recent security breaches involving
venues for large events around the globe.”

The press release states that while the policy will
not go into effect until next year, fans are encouraged to start complying with
the new policy immediately.

Under the policy, each person entering the stadiums
will be allotted one clear bag no bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches,
or a one-gallon freezer bag.

Clutches, purses, diaper bags, blankets and seat
cushions without pockets will still be allowed into the venues following a
thorough search by security.

“This
proactive measure will enhance security inside and outside of the athletic
venues and speed up the security screening process for all fans,” says
University of Utah’s Chief of Police Dale Brophy. “Security staff will be
checking bags, which mean shorter lines, fewer hassles, more time in the venue
enjoying your favorite sport(s) and a greater sense of security.”

The press release references early adopters of the
clear bag policy, including the Southeastern Conference which adopted the policy
back in March. The conference is made up of 14 collegiate teams.

Arizona State University also implemented the policy
back in August 2016. ASU and the University of Utah are both members of the
Pac-12 Conference.

In May 2013, the NFL implemented the same policy in
all of its stadiums. It was unanimously endorsed by the NFL Committee on Stadium
Security.

“The 2017-18 season will be an educational year for
our fans,” says Brophy. “We will have stadium and arena security staff members
at every event talking to fans to notify them of this change. Separate gates at
all points of entry will be available for early adopters.”

The university also created a landing page dedicated
to the new policy, equipped with a graphic displaying which types of bags will
be allowed and which ones will not. Additional information includes FAQ’s,
prohibited items, and the chance to purchase a reuseable clear bag sporting the
university’s emblem.